JAMBOS DROP HEAVY HINT

HEARTS are desperate to sell Scotland stars Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley before the transfer window slams shut on Wednesday.

And it's understood Rangers were locked in talks with the Jambos last night over a £1.25million Hartley deal.

Both players were left out of the side for yesterday's 0-0 draw with Rangers at Ibrox.

Head coach Valdas Ivanausk as told them hours before kick-off and said it was a "business decision" made by owner Vladimir Romanov. Ivanausk as wanted to play both but said: "Sometimes it's all about football politics and football business.

"Especially in the case of Paul, it was about business."

Gordon was at yesterday's game but Hartley left the team camp before lunchtime.

The midfielder is keen to quit and there is also interest from Aston Villa and Blackburn. Celtic can't be ruled out from making a last-gasp bid either.

Ibrox boss Walter Smith said: "We have bids in for a number of players but don't know the ones we will be able to get in."

However, Romanov faces a fight to flog Gordon. The Scotland No.1 has told the club he doesn't want to leave and is keen to stay until the summer at least.

Fulham want to sign the £4million-rated keeper but the player would rather wait to see if more options are available.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is an admirer but it's understood the Highbury gaffer does not rate Gordon as his main target.

Hearts hope to secure planning permission this week for improvements worth £6m at Tynecastle.

Selling their two prize assets will pay for most of that and stop them from increasing a debt which stands at around £25m.

Taken from the Sunday Mail